Dr. Hana Totary-Jain leads a multidisciplinary research program at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, where she serves as Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her work lies at the interface of cardiovascular biology, antiviral immunity, and women’s health, with a particular focus on non-coding RNAs and miRNA switch–based therapeutic strategies.The lab’s overarching goal is to develop cell- and site-selective therapies that address major clinical challenges—including fetal viral protection, vascular repair, and reproductive vascular disorders. Through the integration of RNA biology, gene regulation, and translational medicine, Dr. Totary-Jain’s team is pioneering precision approaches to improve outcomes in both maternal-fetal health and cardiovascular disease.

Current Projects:

• Placental Antiviral Immunity:
  This project investigates how the human placenta protects against vertical viral transmission. The lab identified a primate-specific immune mechanism in which C19MC-derived Alu double-stranded RNAs constitutively activate type III interferon (IFNλ) signaling in trophoblast cells via RLR and PKR pathways. This intrinsic antiviral response may explain why many viruses, including Zika virus and SARS-CoV-2, rarely infect the fetus despite maternal exposure. Ongoing work explores how this pathway can be leveraged or enhanced in pregnancies at risk of congenital infection.

• Vascular Regeneration:
  Using miRNA SwitchesThe lab develops miRNA switch–based therapies to treat vascular injury while preserving endothelial function. These approaches selectively inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, a driver of restenosis, while maintaining endothelial regeneration, which is critical for vascular healing. This work has broad applications in improving outcomes after angioplasty, stenting, and vascular grafting, and is designed to overcome the limitations of current non-selective drug-eluting stent

Dr. Ozmen is a passionate and dedicated scientist whose curiosity and commitment to advancing maternal-fetal health drives her research. Since joining USF Health in 2017, she has worked in several projects investigating the molecular mechanisms that contribute to pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and preterm birth. Dr. Ozmen has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications and scientific abstracts, reflecting her active engagement in the research community. With a recent study in which she played a key role, the team successfully prevented stress-induced preterm birth in a mouse model—an important finding with strong potential for future therapeutic development. With a strong foundation in molecular biology, histology, and embryology, Dr. Ozmen is continually driven by a desire to deepen her understanding of placental development with the aim of translating scientific discovery into real-world solutions for pregnancy-related disorders.

Dr. Busra Cetinkaya Un is a Research Scientist Totary-Jain Lab. She earned her Master’s and PhD in Histology and Embryology. Her research lies at the intersection of reproductive biology, pregnancy-related disorders, and stem cell–based regenerative medicine. Previously, her work included studies on the regenerative effects of stem cells in male infertility, premature ovarian failure and chronic kidney disease. Her current work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of gestational hypertension and preterm birth, with particular attention to placental health.

Dr. Burak Un is a research scientist in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, since 2023. He is working in the Totary-Jain Lab, combining his expertise as an OB/GYN and IVF specialist with laboratory research. During his residency, he conducted specialized research on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). He also holds a PhD in Histology and Embryology, focusing on premature ovarian failure. At USF, his work has focused on uterine fibroids, abnormal uterine bleeding, and preterm birth. He is currently involved in studies related to maternal-fetal immunology, contributing to translational research aimed at improving outcomes in reproductive and perinatal health.

Isabella Hetherington is a PhD candidate in Dr. Totary-Jain’s lab. She is the recipient of the Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award from the NIH. Her primary research focus is to design and develop novel treatment options for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and assists the Totary-Jain lab in other projects involving the role of non-coding RNA in placental development. 

Md Abu Rahat earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, laying the groundwork for his career in biomedical research. He served as a Research Officer at International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), where he specialized in applying molecular strategies for identification and prevention of endemic infectious diseases. Currently as a Medical Sciences Ph.D. candidate at University of South Florida (since 2024), he is dedicated to expanding his knowledge on non-coding RNA and its implications in defining maternal complications during pregnancy, with the ultimate goal of improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.

Sebastian Arbelaez is a driven research assistant in Totary-Jain Lab, specializing in cardiovascular disease with a focus on atherosclerotic inflammation. He is the recipient of the American Heart Association's summer undergraduate fellowship. His work focuses on developing precision medicine to treat atherosclerosis via implementation of targeted siRNA nanoparticle delivery. He also specializes studying the role of non-coding SINE RNAs in both cardiovascular inflammation and pre-term birth.

Karin Ayad holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology and is a recipient of the American Heart Association Summer Undergraduate Fellowship. As a research assistant in the Totary-Jain Lab, she focuses on placental antiviral immunity, studying how primate-specific non-coding RNAs activate type III interferon signaling to protect against vertical viral transmission. Her work aims to support therapeutic strategies for preventing congenital infections.